[38F] Experiencing left-sided abdominal pain and urinary discomfort

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes of your symptoms include:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection in any part of your urinary system, which includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. UTIs are more common in women, and they can cause pain during urination and a frequent urge to urinate.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection.

• Ovarian Cyst: You mentioned that the pain feels similar to an ovarian cyst you had in the past. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface. While many women have ovarian cysts at some time, most are harmless and cause little or no discomfort.

  • Treatment can range from watchful waiting to surgical removal, depending on the size and type of cyst.

• IUD Complications: It's also possible that your intrauterine device (IUD) could be causing your symptoms, especially since you mentioned it's overdue for replacement. Complications can include displacement of the IUD or infection.

  • Treatment involves removing or replacing the IUD.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms. They may want to perform a physical examination or order tests such as a urine test or ultrasound to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
2. In the meantime, drinking plenty of water can help dilute your urine and may help flush out bacteria if you have a UTI.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate your abdominal pain. However, it's important to not exceed the recommended dosage.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood in your urine
• Difficulty urinating or an inability to urinate

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.